Indoor plants: Plants are a calming presence which can significantly lower stress levels. Studies have confirmed that plants can help with lowering stress (Image: Canva)
Adding a touch of greenery into your home does more than just make your home more aesthetically pleasing. Certain houseplants, like snake plants and peace lilies, can also purify the air around them, while other large varieties like ficus and areca palms can block sound and reduce noise.
Horticulture therapy, or the presence of indoor plants around you, can reduce anxiety and improve mental health. Watering, touching or pruning plants provide a sense of accomplishment and bring inner peace.
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Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to the world of plants, the benefits of indoor greenery go far beyond aesthetics. Here are 8 reasons why keeping indoor plants is a fantastic choice for your well-being.
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Indoor plants are natural air purifiers as they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. A study by NASA claims houseplants can remove up to 87 percent of toxins in the air within 24 hours, including those commonly found in household items. Some great plants that improve the air quality of your home include snake plants, peace lilies, and spider plants.
- Reduce stress and anxiety
Plants are a calming presence which can significantly lower stress levels. This is backed by science through a study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology that found that plants can help with lowering stress. Just watering plants or touching or caring for them can have a soothing effect. Doing these activities can also help lower blood pressure, while bringing peace and tranquillity.
- Boost mood and productivity
Being around greenery can enhance your mood and increase productivity. According to research in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, the presence of plants in workspaces can contribute not only to employee welfare but also to organisational output. Adding vibrant plants like pothos, philodendrons, or ZZ plants to your office or study can transform your workspace into a more motivating environment.
Also read | Best air-purifying indoor plants: Choose these low-maintenance plants for health and happiness
Certain indoor plants like aloe vera, lavender, and jasmine have soothing properties and can help you sleep better. These benefits have been corroborated by studies published on the National Library of Medicine and on Science Direct.
- Support respiratory health
Indoor air can sometimes be dry, particularly during colder months. Houseplants can also increase humidity levels by releasing moisture into the air. Spider plants are one of the best plants for increasing indoor humidity, according to research from 2015. Other houseplants like peace lilies and areca palms may help reduce the risk of respiratory issues like dry coughs and irritated throats by making the air around them more humid.
- Provide natural therapy and healing
The presence of indoor plants can also serve as a form of natural therapy, known as horticultural therapy, according to an article published on Nature.com. Engaging with plants — whether through watering, pruning, or simply admiring them — can improve mental health and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Certain plants also have the ability to absorb, deflect, and refract sound, making them effective at dampening noise in busy areas, according to a study found on ScienceDirect.com. Large, leafy plants like rubber plants and ficus trees are particularly good at absorbing sound waves, making your home a quieter and more peaceful place.
- Create a connection to nature
Indoor plants provide an opportunity to stay connected with nature, especially for those living in urban environments with limited outdoor space. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives highlights the importance of biophilic design — the practice of incorporating natural elements into interior spaces — to enhance well-being and foster a connection to the natural world.
Keeping indoor plants is not only great for the aesthetics of your home, it is also a great way to purify the air and boost your mood. Plants can also lead to improved sleep and reduced stress.
